Parallel-connected converters with maximum power tracking

An improved maximum power tracking (MPT) approach with dither signal injection is presented, including the results of computer simulation and prototype testing. It incorporates a "shared-bus" current-sharing method that can regulate many paralleled current-mode DC-DC power converters. The approach yields nearly uniform current-sharing as well as reliable MPT performance. Utilizing the combined current-sharing and MPT approaches, the MPT power system provides several advantages: (1) ease of system power expansion; (2) stable current-sharing; and (3) autonomous MPT during loss of output voltage regulation. The robust MPT control maintains both stable amplitude and frequency of solar-array voltage ripple.